Lawrence Jasinski of Independence Township was awarded a $350 check for tuition in All Saints Cemetery’s Photo and Art Contest.
“I was surprised, very excited,” said Jasinski, who submitted a photo of his friend, Kolbe Eurick, paying his respects at an All Saint’s grave.
“I created a black-and-white image to help make it stand out ? I thought color would be too regular and plain,” said Jasinski, a student at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School.
“I think it’s pretty exciting,” said Stacey Jasinski , his mother.
“We have four children attending Our Lady of the Lakes ? the tuition assistance is very helpful.”
The contest was judged by families at Lady of the Lakes’ Memorial Day Mass, said Bill Burr, All Saints Cemetery director.
“The contest is to bring families to the cemetery and show them how beautiful the property is,” Burr said.
“It’s a way to give back to the community.”
About a dozen contestants submitted about 45 pictures and pieces of art to the contest.
Lawrence was visiting the cemetery with his brother and sister, John and Emily, and Eurick when he took the picture, using his Canon Powershot digital camera.
“I’ve been taking pictures for quite a while,” said Lawrence, who earned a Boy Scout merit badge in photography this year.
All Saints Cemetery will hold the contest again next year, probably at the Memorial Day Mass, Burr said.
“About 500 people were here this year ? they loved judging the contest,” he said.